Ballroom dancing is becom-ing increasingly popular across the country because of shows like ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and recent movies like “Take the Lead.” Here at ETSU, the dancing is taking on a Latin beat.
Each Wednesday afternoon through Oct. 11, the Office of Multicultural Affairs is sponsoring Hispanic dance lessons so students can celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. “Dancing is a good way to express who you are,” Omar Rostro, Hispanic dance instructor, said. “It’s just fun. There are no judges like on ‘Dancing with the Stars.'”
“Dancing with the Stars,” showcases popular stars like Sara Evans and Joey Lawrence learning how to ballroom or Latin American dance with an experienced instructor. Audiences at home and professional dancers judge the competitions.
At ETSU on Wednesdays, students gather in the CPA aerobics room to learn some steps of their own. There they can learn the salsa, cumbia, merengue, bachata, tango, and cha cha cha, with no pressure.
Students interested in the Hispanic Dance lessons can visit the CPA at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, during the month of November.
TV shows and movies have increased cultural awareness about the different styles of dance, particularly Latin American dance, Rostro said. That’s also the idea behind this year’s Wednesday afternoon lessons and dancing at ETSU.
“It’s just a very fun way to dance,” said Lee Trout, a senior who went to the first dance lesson. “It’s not bump and grind and there’s an air of romance and class.”
The Multicultural Affairs office celebrates and puts on various programs so students can appreciate other cultures, said Laura Terry, director of multicultural affairs. “It’s just for anyone to come and learn.” These dance lessons provide students with the opportunity to better understand Hispanic culture.
“I always danced since I was little,” Rostro said, now a student at ETSU. He learned from his mother, who taught, performed and competed. “Your culture is like your roots.”
Rostro grew up in California, surrounded by a mixture of ethnicities, but his Latin heritage exposed him to this style of dance.
In the fall of 2005, only 1.1 percent of full-time students at ETSU were Hispanics, according to the Office of Planning, Institutional Research and Evaluation. Terry says activities like Hispanic dance lessons increase awareness among students about other cultures’ customs.
“No matter your race, color, or gender, you’re giving yourself a chance to express who you are,” Rostro said.
Dancing takes courage, Rostro said, but its gives everyone a chance to overcome timidity and other obstacles whether doing the salsa, hip-hop or the tango.
“I was excited about the opportunity to try something new so easily on campus,” Trout said. “I’ve already suggested the dance lessons to about six other guys.”
If students interested in continuing lessons, Rostro also teaches at Stir-Fry Restaurant on Wednesday nights.

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